The Filipino Cart

The Story: Mexican, American BBQ, Mauritian and now Filipino. The lot at N Fremont and Vancouver is quickly becoming a melting pot of international cuisine. The Filipino Cart, one of the few Filipino vendors in the city, serves up lumpia daily.

Portland has had a few Filipino vendors come and go over the years. As a result, I’ve been introduced to the diverse cuisine the culture offers. With influences from both Asia and Europe and beyond, you’ll see items on the menu that may surprise you. At The Filipino Cart, the menu is extensive and may be daunting for some, so I recommend either asking for guidance or just picking something and taking a tastebud adventure. I always start with lumpia which seem like the national dish – a fried egg roll with shredded onion, carrots and pork. I almost ordered item number two, Salt and Pepper Calamari, but wanted to try something new, so read through the menu then asked for advice. Bopis! A quick answer from the chef. A spicy dish with pork and liver sauteed in tomato, chili and onion and served with rice. I haven’t been a fan of liver since I was a kid, but the way it was prepared here changed my mind. A great mix of meat and veggies.

Bopis

The Filipino Cart also offers Halo-halo, a popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shave ice and evaporated milk with various boiled sweet beans and fruits added. If that doesn’t entice a visit, I’m not sure what would. The vendors at this lot are staying open late into the night, so if you’re looking for dinner or late night nosh, drop on by. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Laeng: dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk – $6.90

Tocino: cured pork marinated in sweet red sauce and served with rice and eggs – $6.90